Shloka 5
Tapas as the Root of Attainment (तपः—साधनमूलप्रशंसा)
हिमवन्तं समासाद्य महानासीद् वनस्पति: । वर्षपूगाभिसंवृद्ध: शाखी स्कन्धी पलाशवान्
himavantaṃ samāsādya mahān āsīd vanaspatiḥ | varṣa-pūgābhisaṃvṛddhaḥ śākhī skandhī palāśavān |
Sinabi ni Bhīṣma: “Pagdating sa Himavat, naroon ang isang punong napakalaki at maringal. Pinalakas at pinalago ng paglipas ng maraming taon, ito’y matibay—may matatag na punò, malalawak na sanga, at masaganang mga dahon.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse sets up a moral illustration using a long-grown, flourishing tree: in Śānti Parva such images commonly introduce reflections on how sustained time, proper conditions, and steady growth lead to strength—paralleling the cultivation of dharma, restraint, and stable conduct.
Bhīṣma begins a descriptive episode: at the Himavat there is a huge, ancient, well-nourished tree with a strong trunk, many branches, and rich foliage—an opening scene likely preparing for an allegory or instruction.